20
Review
Marijuana, the first twelve thousand years
By Ernest L. Abel 1980. Plenum Press, New York US $39, 289 pp.
Marijuana, the first
twelve thousand years is the single most complete and authorative work on the history
of the genus Cannabis. Abel presents his thorough and unbiased
investigation of the history of drug Cannabis, as well as the even more ancient
uses of Cannabis hemp as a source of edible seed and fiber for the manufacture of
paper, rope, and textiles.
The detailed explanations of the spread of
hashish by the Arabs, and the introduction of hemp to the New World by European colonists,
provide fascinating reading for historians and Cannabis aficionados alike.
The section presenting the relationship between hemp and slavery is particularly
enlightening. Abel describes the strategic importance of supplies of high quality
hemp, especially for naval rigging. The Romans, Venetians, Portuguese, Dutch, and
English all used the power of hemp to exert their naval might and build trade routes to
the world's corners.
Abel's sources span a wide range of
disciplines, and are well referenced in an extensive bibliography. A detailed index
allows ready access to the many facts contained in the text.
No Cannabis researchers, nor botanical
libraries, could possibly consider their collections complete without including the
extensive knowledge contained in Marijuana, the first twelve thousand years.
RCC, DPW & HvdW.